Note

An introduction to geographic themes and methods of inquiry. The emphasis will be placed on practical skills including literature searches, field observation, scholarly debate and professional writing.

[Note: Field trip fee: $10]

Prereq: Year 1 or 2 Geography and Environmental Management students

GEOG 101 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005823

Geography and Human Habitat

An introduction to human geography through a survey of some of the concepts, methods, techniques and applications of geographic analysis to the human cultural environment. Directed towards people-land and location analysis themes.

GEOG 102 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005824

Geography and Our Planetary Environment

Emphasis on the natural environment as an integrated system. Selected aspects of weather -- climate, water, soils, biota, landforms along with flows of energy, water and matter and their effects on the subsystems of the natural environment.

GEOG 165 LAB,LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005831

Computer Cartography: Principles and Design

Focus is on the compilation and cartographic display of spatially referenced data. Topics covered include geographic coordinate systems, map projections, mapping quantitative data, terrain representation, compiling data from a variety of sources, and the production of effective maps based on established principles of cartographic design.

Emphasis on concepts related to fluvial processes, river mechanics, the relationship between environmental change and river regime. Selected topics include fluvial processes and landscape formation, flow and sediment regimes, channel processes, form and behaviour, river response to natural and anthropogenic change, and river management.

Prereq: GEOG 102 or EARTH 121 or 126 or Science and Aviation plans or Geomatics plans

GEOG 202 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005839

Geography of the Global Economy

An introduction to globalization of the world economy through an examination of its causes, patterns, and consequences in a variety of geographic contexts.

Prereq: GEOG 101 or Geomatics plans

GEOG 203 LEC,TUT 0.50

Course ID: 011140

Environment and Development in a Global Perspective

Examines the interface between human development and the environment in a global context. Various perspectives are explored to link environmental issues to wealth, poverty, consumption, population, and economic globalization. Case studies, with an emphasis on developing countries, are used to illustrate linkages.

Prereq: ENVS 195 or GEOG 101 or Geomatics plans

GEOG 206 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 012402

Human Dimensions of Natural Hazards

This course will investigate the human dimensions of the global experience with natural hazards and associated disasters. The physical nature of a wide range of geophysical and biophysical hazards will be explored, paying particular attention to: the ways in which hazards become dangerous to humans, and the pathways by which humans can either increase or decrease their vulnerability in the face of natural hazards.

Prereq: GEOG 101 or 102 or EARTH 121

GEOG 208 LAB,LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005846

Human Dimensions of Global Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most profound environmental issues affecting society. The course is an introduction to the human dimensions of global climate change, including its scientific history, potential impacts for natural systems and human societies around the world, and the two societal responses: adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation. Canadian climate change science, impacts and policy responses will be highlighted.

Prereq: Level at least 2A

GEOG 209 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 013045

Hydroclimatology

An introduction to the fundamental processes governing climate and hydrological systems and the links between them. It starts with a discussion of basic atmospheric and hydrological processes and traces the flow of energy and water between the earth's surface and the atmosphere. The water cycle is examined including evapotranspiration, precipitation, runoff and water storage in the natural reservoirs (including soil and groundwater, lakes and wetlands).

Prereq: GEOG 102 or EARTH 121 or Geomatics plans

GEOG 210 LEC,TUT 0.50

Course ID: 010133

Image Interpretation and Photogrammetry

Focuses on principles of air photo interpretation and use of airphotos and high-resolution images for studies such as terrain analysis, vegetation and soil mapping, rural and urban planning, crop identification, forestry, wildlife ecology and hazard evaluation.

Changing geographies of China are examined and explained. Patterns and processes of change will be systematically analyzed for topics such as the physical environment, resources, development policy, globalization, industrialization, urbanization, and regional development. Diverse cities and regions are compared and the integration of China into the global economy is explored.

GEOG 222 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005911

Geographical Study of Canada

An exploration of the geographical bases of Canada's regional identity. How physical, demographic, and economic geographies have combined to create unique regions within Canada.

GEOG 233 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 011097

Geography of Tourism

Covers the nature, history and growth of different types of tourism and tourist; the positive and negative impacts of tourism and alternative forms to mass tourism. The problems of and prospects for tourism are examined through a consideration of a variety of countries and regions, both developed and developing.

Prereq: GEOG 101 or REC 101

GEOG 250 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005932

Urban and Economic Systems: Inter-City and Global Connections

Contemporary patterns of urban and economic growth and urban based development. Changing trends in urban organization at the regional, national and global scale. New systems of world cities.

Prereq: GEOG 101

GEOG 271 LAB,LEC 0.50

Course ID: 012605

Earth from Space Using Remote Sensing

Remote sensing of the Earth's systems (atmosphere, land, and oceans) is introduced. The course covers the principles, physics, sensor technology, processing and applications of remote sensing in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Study of the origin and evolution of landforms with emphasis on southern Ontario. Analysis of geomorphic processes. Study of human impact on geomorphological landscapes. The lectures will be supplemented by field trips and field work required for term projects.

[Note: Field trip fee: Approximately $45.]

Prereq: GEOG 201; Level at least 3A

GEOG 303 LEC,TUT 0.50

Course ID: 005898

Physical Hydrology

Fundamental processes in physical hydrology are addressed. Components of the water balance are examined to determine the nature of their variation in time and space. Precipitation, interception, infiltration, groundwater and soil water processes, evapotranspiration, runoff and storage will be examined from a theoretical and practical viewpoint, and their linkages demonstrated by lab and fieldwork.

[Note: Field trip fee: $20.]

Prereq: GEOG 209

GEOG 309 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005902

Physical Climatology

Principles of physical climatology with emphasis on regional and global change and variability. Topics include radiation and energy balances, general circulation patterns, synoptic development and micro-climatology.

Prereq: GEOG 102 or EARTH 121 or Science and Aviation plans

GEOG 310 LAB,LEC 0.50

Course ID: 012606

Geodesy and Surveying

Concepts of geodesy and surveying, Earth's gravity field and the geoid, and measurement techniques applied to geomatics are examined. Field studies include the use of the level, the total station, and GPS for doing distance and angle measurements, leveling, traversing and topographic surveying.

Prereq: GEOG 165

GEOG 311 LEC,TUT 0.50

Course ID: 013018

Local Development in a Global Context

The course examines the ability of local communities to influence their development trajectory. The roles and potential for collaboration among public, private, and third sector partners are explored. Social, environmental, and economic goals are interconnected within a sustainable development framework.

Prereq: GEOG 202 or GEOG 203

GEOG 316 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005905

Multivariate Statistics

The theory and application of multivariate statistics, with particular emphasis upon the use of the computer.

Prereq: ENVS 278; Not open to students in the Faculty of Mathematics

(Cross-listed with PLAN 351)

GEOG 318 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005908

Spatial Analysis

Advanced quantitative analysis in a spatial context. A selection of techniques from sampling, geostatistics, point pattern analysis and cluster detection, spatial classification, and spatial data mining.

Prereq: ENVS 278; Not open to students in the Faculty of Mathematics

(Cross-listed with PLAN 353)

GEOG 319 LEC,TUT 0.50

Course ID: 005909

Economic Analyses for Regional Planning

Practical application and critical appraisal of regional analysis techniques used by planners, economic developers and consultants. Problem based approaches to understanding the strength and leverage of business and industrial sectors, projection and forecasting, employment and demographic trends, investment decision-making and cost benefit analysis.

(Cross-listed with PLAN 320)

GEOG 323 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005912

Perspectives on International Tourism

The character, problems of, and prospects of tourism are examined through consideration of tourism in a variety of countries and regions, both developed and developing. Topics include the nature and significance of tourism; economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism; and costs and benefits of tourism to destination areas.

Prereq: One of GEOG 233, REC 230, PLAN 362

(Cross-listed with REC 383)

GEOG 333 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005919

Recreation Geography

Implications of existing and potential recreation supplies and demands. Topics include recreational travel, site capability, economic and ecological impact models and behavioural aspects of amenity resources.

Prereq: GEOG 233 or REC 230

(Cross-listed with REC 333)

GEOG 340 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005924

Settlements of Rural Canada

Examines the evolving form and function of Canada's dispersed and nucleated settlements. Considers the role of local economic development in stimulating change.

Prereq: One of GEOG 202, ERS/GEOG 203, or GEOG 250

GEOG 349 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 007561

Urban Form and Internal Spatial Structure

An examination of the major factors giving rise to distinctive styles of urban spatial organization. Focus moves from city-wide scale to subareas/sectors - inner city, housing, retailing, etc. Emphasis on understanding and planning for the dynamics of complex environments. Applied issues or problems are dealt with throughout the course.

[Note: Field trip fee: $20.]

Prereq: One of GEOG 202, GEOG/ERS 203, GEOG 250 or PLAN 100

(Cross-listed with PLAN 349)

GEOG 351 FLD,LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005934

Geography of Transportation

Focuses on Canadian transportation systems and issues and is organized into three modules: links between transportation and regional economic development, urban land use - transportation interactions, and sustainable transportation. Approximately one-quarter of the course focuses on analytic techniques including network analysis, category analysis, and the gravity model. Particular attention is paid to trends in air travel and related issues.

[Note: Field trip fee: Approximately $20.]

Prereq: ENVS 178 or Science and Aviation plans

GEOG 353 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005939

Retail Location

Examines retail location at both the inter and intra-urban scales. Emphasis is placed on the underlying processes that give rise to retail structure, techniques of site selection and public sector involvement in retail location.

An introduction to the study of human behaviours related to natural and built environments. Variations in environmental cognition, thought, perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, decisions and behaviours are explored at multiple scales (from individual to societal). The importance of social and cultural contexts in environmental decision-making is traced, using examples drawn from fields such as environmental psychology, urban and regional geography, natural hazards, environmental policy, and behavioural geography.

Prereq: GEOG 202 or 203 and GEOG 206 or 208

GEOG 368 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 007559

Conservation/Resource Management of the Built Environment

Consideration of the constraints and guidelines that an application of the principles of ecology places on the planning and management of resources within urban spaces and the implications for urban design. The theory and history of this subject will be discussed together with urban ecomanagement, the management of waste, urban open space and parks, rehabilitated sites, and environmentally sensitive areas.

This course is organized into modules, each of which addresses a common type of GIS analysis. Topics covered include digital terrain models, spatial analysis, cell-based modelling and network analysis. In addition, the course explores automation procedures using models and scripts. [Formerly: GEOG/PLAN 455]

Prereq: GEOG/PLAN 255 or GEOG/PLAN 281

(Cross-listed with PLAN 381)

GEOG 387 LAB,LEC 0.50

Course ID: 005943

Spatial Databases

This course focuses on design and development of a GIS database. It addresses theoretical issues regarding data models used in GIS and data modeling techniques used in designing spatial databases. It considers the processing required to input data from a variety of sources and clean and edit a multi-theme database and introduces students to creation and use of internet map services.

[Note: Field trip fee may be charged to a maximum of $50, based on location.]

Prereq: GEOG/PLAN 255 or GEOG/PLAN 281

(Cross-listed with PLAN 387)

GEOG 391 TUT 0.50

Course ID: 005978

Field Research

Field research course in which a specific area will be analyzed from a geographic point of view. Individual or group analysis of specific field problems.

Introduces skills for conducting human geography research and the basic principles and methods of analysis. These skills include problem identification, research design, research ethics, and the assembly and interpretation of evidence.

Introduces skills for conducting research in physical geography. Selected techniques used in climatology, hydrology, geomorphology and/or biogeography research will be demonstrated and the principles behind the techniques will be explained. Students get hands on experience in research design, field and laboratory techniques, data assembly and the interpretation of data.

This course examines the role of soil in the environment, its importance as a natural resource in agricultural and forest productivity, and the effects on soil resources as a result of different management practices. It is divided into three sections: 1) introduction to soil composition, formation, and physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil; 2) soil degradation and management approaches to rehabilitation; 3) soil pollution and the role of soil in maintaining environmental integrity.

Prereq: ENVS 200 or Instructor Consent

(Cross-listed with ERS 484)

GEOG 405 LEC,TUT 0.50

Course ID: 005992

Wetlands

Basic concepts on the distribution, classification, development, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology of wetlands with an emphasis on temperate and boreal/subarctic systems. Human impacts, restoration and reclamation of wetlands are considered with the view of wetlands as functional ecosystems.

[Note: Field trip fee: $20]

Prereq: GEOG 209 or EARTH 123 and ENVS 200

GEOG 407 SEM,TUT 1.00

Course ID: 005994

Environmental Hydrology

An interdisciplinary course that explores ecological processes that are linked to physical hydrology. Particular focus is on the storage and movement of water, solutes and nutrients within selected ecosystems and the ecological impacts of human activities on the ecohydrological system.

Prereq: GEOG 303 or EARTH 123; Level at least 3A

GEOG 409 LEC,SEM,TUT 1.00

Course ID: 005996

Energy Balance Climatology

A field and lecture course including the radiation and energy balances of various surfaces, the principles of turbulent energy exchange, and the biotic response to the energy environment. These concepts will be illustrated through the collection and examination of field data. The student will be responsible for presentation of a seminar on an assigned topic as well as presentation of the results of research incorporating data collected at the University of Waterloo weather station.

Understanding the implications of globalization for the local and regional economy through examining technological change, multinational corporations, employment and institutions. Course work focuses on analysis of the restructuring of specific industries in the southern Ontario region.

Prereq: GEOG 202 or GEOG/ERS 203; Level at least 3A Honours students only

GEOG 423 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 011098

Tourism Lecture Series

This course will introduce participants to a variety of topics and research methods through presentations made by active researchers from Canada and abroad.

Prereq: GEOG 233 or 323

GEOG 426 SEM 0.50

Course ID: 006007

Geographies of Development

Examines international development theories and practice, emphasizing the interactions between social, economic, political and environmental dimensions at the micro- and macro-scales. Selected case studies illustrate divergent outcomes of development and the contested process that development represents.

Prereq: GEOG 202 or GEOG/ERS 203; Level at least 3A Honours students

GEOG 430A LAB 0.50

Course ID: 006008

Field Research in Regional Geography

Detailed analysis of a selected region with major emphasis upon a field examination of the region (several weeks duration). Offering dependent upon faculty availability and student enrolment. For additional information on duration, itinerary and travel costs of course offerings, contact the Geography Undergraduate Advisor.

Prereq: Level at least 3A Honours students only

GEOG 430B LAB 1.00

Course ID: 006009

Field Research in Regional Geography

Detailed analysis of a selected region with major emphasis upon a field examination of the region (several weeks duration). Offering dependent upon faculty availability and student enrolment. For additional information on duration, itinerary and travel costs of course offerings, contact the Geography Undergraduate Advisor.

Prereq: Level at least 3A Honours students only

GEOG 430C LAB 1.50

Course ID: 006010

Field Research in Regional Geography

Detailed analysis of a selected region with major emphasis upon a field examination of the region (several weeks duration). Offering dependent upon faculty availability and student enrolment. For additional information on duration, itinerary and travel costs of course offerings, contact the Geography Undergraduate Advisor.

Prereq: Level at least 3A Honours students only

GEOG 432 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 006442

Health, Environment, and Planning

A seminar course on the environmental sources and causes of disease and illness, the concepts of health, e.g. medical, scientific, economic, political, etc., the health services and facilities and related technologies and the role and responsibilities of (urban and regional) planners in the creation of a more healthful environment.

Selected analysis of processes, problems and planning issues associated with the internal growth and spatial reorganization of Canadian metropolitan areas. Three or four topics are chosen for detailed investigation. These will vary from year to year.

Prereq: One of GEOG 250, GEOG/PLAN 349, PLAN 362

(Cross-listed with PLAN 450)

GEOG 452 PRJ 0.50

Course ID: 010134

Resource Management Project

Concepts and techniques of resources management and institutional analysis are applied to the study of a current resource or environmental management issue.

GEOG 453 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 011527

Urban Stormwater Management

Urban stormwater runoff affects the water quality, water quantity, habitat and biological resources, public health and aesthetic appearance of urban waterways. This course reviews the physical and chemical processes, environmental assessment techniques and best management practices related to stormwater management in the urban systems.

Prereq: Level at least 3A

(Cross-listed with PLAN 453)

GEOG 459 SEM,TUT 1.00

Course ID: 006015

Energy and Sustainability

Renewable and non-renewable energy supply systems are compared using economic and environmental measures. Consumption trends and conservation options are considered at the local and global level. Projects are used to demonstrate the economic and environmental challenges in the design of a sustainable energy system.

Prereq: One of ERS 218, ERS/GEOG 203, GEOG 202

GEOG 461 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 013956

Food Systems and Sustainability

This course examines dimensions of food systems sustainability and food security, from production to consumption, from local to global scales, in the Global North and South. Specific themes covered in the course include technological and genetic change in food production, resource depletion and wider environmental impacts of the industrial food system, and policy, market-oriented, and civil society initiatives to bring about change in the food system, including organic production and localizing food systems.

Prereq: Level at least 3B.

Antireq: ERS 489/PSCI 489/GEOG 429

(Cross-listed with ERS 461)

GEOG 462 LEC 0.50

Course ID: 013955

Global Food and Agricultural Politics

This course examines the global food and agriculture system. Specific themes to be covered include political and governance issues related to the Green Revolution, global food corporations, agricultural trade liberalization, food aid, international agricultural assistance, the global agro-chemical industry, and agricultural bio-technology.

Prereq: Level at least 3B.

Antireq: ERS 489/PSCI 489/GEOG 429

(Cross-listed with ERS 462, PSCI 488)

GEOG 471 SEM,TUT 1.00

Course ID: 006019

Remote Sensing Project

Digital image analysis for resource mapping and evaluation using remote sensing data. Topics range from initial data selection to final map production and assessment. Using commercial image analysis software, students will analyse data for a selected area and produce a portfolio of results. In addition, they will undertake a literature review on a selected topic and present highlights of the review at an end-of-term mini-conference.

Prereq: GEOG 371; Level at least 3A

GEOG 474 SEM 0.50

Course ID: 009503

Special Topics in Geography

These courses allow for additions to the program on a short-term basis, and for the development of future permanent courses.

Instructor Consent Required

Prereq: Level at least 3A Honours students only

GEOG 475 RDG 0.50

Course ID: 009506

Independent Study of Selected Topics

Individual study of specific topics not covered in other courses. Students must not register for this course until a faculty member has agreed to supervise the study and the student has developed a brief outline to be filed with the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies.

[Note: The weight of the course is dependent upon the topic selected.]

Department Consent Required

Prereq: Level at least 3A Honours students only

GEOG 481 PRJ,SEM,TUT 1.00

Course ID: 009505

Geographic Information Systems Project

Students work in small groups to develop GIS applications addressing selected planning, environmental management or research problems. Emphasis is on conceptual design of the selected application and implementation of a prototype solution using internet map services, GIS macro languages or other programming tools. ["Formerly: GEOG/PLAN 457"]

Built around a set of key issues in the management of Geographic Information Systems. Focuses on middle management concerns and covers topics including GIS needs assessment, benchmarking, the law and spatial data, spatial data warehousing, multi-user GIS modelling and GIS application development. Uses of GIS in both public and private sector organizations are covered. ["Formerly: GEOG/PLAN 555"]